It strikes me that Tamiya have listened to customer feedback and this kit is the result...if only others like Meng, GWH, Border, Trumpeter etc, etc did the same? This kit differentiates itself hugely from the Chinese manufacturers, and more than justifies it's price in my view. 👍🏻
For example GWH does listen to customer feedback, they re-tooled their F-15 spine due to feedback and they tooled their Su-27 differently due to feedback on construction off Su-35. For the other manufactures such as Trumpeter its true that they dont really care about any feedback.
@@Makkaravuori That's great but GWH really need to do more to improve their instructions. They are poor with no background data and no description English words used in the construction data...
I remember, years and years ago now, on ARC (I think) someone pointed out how the panel lines on the forward fuselage parts in the F-16 look like the molds are set up to make a two seat cockpit. Good many schemes to do… Thunderbirds, Weapons School Adversaries, Navy Aggressors….
Enjoyed it. A few notes, though: Per the "holdback bar" - It doesn't remain with the aircraft. It is part of the launch shuttle system. Integrated into the bar is a "dog bone", or dogbone/dumbell shaped bit of metal that is specific to the type/weight of the aircraft being shot from the catapult. This bit of metal is designed to hold back the aircraft, but is also designed to snap in half when the launch catapult shuttle reaches the end of the track, thus releasing the aircraft. They are considered an expendable item. Two of items that are key to identifying the early vs. late A models are the types of gun fairings and the chin pod/sensors. The items you identify as optional instrument bay covers are actually the gun fairings and changed over the life of the aircraft. It is best to research the specific aircraft you wish to model to identify which to use. Also, I note that the new kit contains the late A chin pod that combines the ALQ-100 IR seeker and the early Tactical Camera System (TCS). I'd be interested to know if the simple IR sensor from the early kit is also included. If so, then it appears that one could do both the early and late A birds with this kit. Here's a good reference on the chin pods.: www.anft.net/f-14/f14-detail-chinpods.htm
Peter nice review like usual. I did chuckle though, my favourite bit was ~48:00, when you place the aircraft deck board back in the box, you have a glance to camera and 'hope nothing goes pear-shaped' look, brilliant. By the way, you said you watched a build video, didn't quite pick up the name of the author, can you enlighten me or post a link please. Keep up the good work!
Why was precision attack added to the F-14's capabilities? The retirement of the A-6 for one, but mainly the realization that only multi role aircraft would be relevant to any future conflicts..
The glove vanes were deactivated and locked shut during the F-14 A's career. They were not present in the later B and D models. I feel that the Tamiya kit is the best on the market. Tamiya, when researching the model, actually traveled to NAS Pensacola and laser scanned an F-14A in their collection... The LANTIRN pod was adapted to the Tomcat as a n in house project. The late CAPT Dale Snodgrass had a lot to do with that. In fact, he turned down AMRAAM in order to get the precision ground attack capability. The Tomcat always had a ground attack capability built in, but it was not used until after the first Gulf War. The F-14 was also used as a Fast FAC, where it excelled. It is interesting to compare the career of the F-14 to the F-15 in U.S. service. The Tomcats had all retired in 2006; new Eagles are currently being built for the USAF.... By the way, there is a "F-14 Tomcast" currently showing on You Tube featuring a current Iranian Tomcat pilot. No video, for obvious reasons... Another fine program, Peter..
I’m pretty certain those flaming modelers you are talking about were peeved because Tamiya didn’t give them configuration choices from the get-go. The Hasegawa kit gave you the means to configure it at least 2 or more ways from day one of the kit being released back in the mid 80s. In addition, I’m positive that a significant portion of the type of modeler who would buy & build this kit are also the type to build it multiple times, and I count myself among them. I still have around 20 or so of the Hasegawa kit still in the stash, and don’t even get me started on the close to 3 dozen F-4 kits, and all the other USN aircraft types that lend themselves to being built multiple times just on squadron markings & paint schemes alone (F-8, A-4, all the Aggressor F-5 schemes to name a few) that I have over a dozen of in the stash, and I know I’m not the only one like this, not by a long shot.
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab hope so,have a brew and a chat,is it really worth the extra price,I have both the A & D in my to build pile,and I'm maybe or maybe not with this one.
V nice but nearly fell of my chair when I saw the price in Scalemates 😲 I appreciate it wont be as good but I will have to be sticking with my Hasegawa version with the Fujimi Flight Deck Crew; £28 all in from Beatties back in the day
11 Mins...has to be a new early-opening record! 🤣 Black gloves are my trademark...along with watches and jacket...(and to avoid fingermarks on model kits). ☺️
Most of my subscribers seem to enjoy the longer length and more detail in these videos. However if you prefer shorter, lower definition, less detailed and less factual review vids, plenty are available elsewhere.
That's right Stephi, there are just two (NEW) crew & the 'shooter'. (3 new figures in total) but there are also the two 'old' crew figures on the original release unchanged sprues. However, on the box it says: 'includes 3 figures' this is WRONG, (rather confusing!) and you are RIGHT. There are 5 figures in total. 👍🏻
I’m super grateful that Tamiya modeled the shooter to be placed on the left side of the aircraft during launch. Hasegawa molded their shooter figure to be on the right (starboard) side during launch. The diorama I have planned actually requires 7 shooter figures to be placed on the left side of the aircraft, so all I need to do is get my hands on 7 of these kits and the Skunk Works jet blast deflector kit.
Ironically, some kits are better than the actual aircraft because you can really get creative making a miniaturized version of the aircraft. You definitely have to have some skills to accomplish this, which of course you do Peter. I would agree on your rating, but most likely purchase a less expensive version and use after market parts for this aircraft kit. In other words, based on the poor history of the real aircraft its not one I seek out to build . It was a performance and maintainence nightmare, causing it to have a reasonably short service life. It was also difficult to fly, and never had that many combat kills The kit popularity is probably driven by the movie Topgun, however, a more entertaining movie using the F14 is The Final Count Cown. Its worse problem was the propensity to go into a flat spin because of compressor failures and pilot error, there were 30 aircraft lost during its deployment, and all aircraft were built with the wrong engines, costing billions to replace Sorry I digress from the real aircraft to a model that will give the builder more satisfaction than the real aircraft. The Intruder and Prowler are an entirely different story, excellent aircraft and kits that have great detail, truly fun to build. I also think any F14 kit requires too many decals.
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Thanks Peter, I'll definitely check it out, such a great sci fi movie showing the F14 at its peak of deployment and I forgot many Japanese aircraft. By the way, Who can't love the Spitfire So much history, most with the UK but also USA . THE Merlin engine saving the P51, and pre war Americans flying with the RAF. I had the privilege of knowing the stunt coordinator for the film Battle of Britain, and Adolf Galland. However, my memory archives are weak but there was an incredible Spitfire flown by an American reconnaissance wing, I believe it was blue. It was modified so incredibly that it flew round trip from England to Berlin. The Germans didn't bother it because it was just one aircraft. Similar to the B29s over Hiroshima. Just think, England to Berlin and back. That would make an interesting model. Another side note to history that would make an interesting model combination would be the B29 and Lancaster. Many people don't know there was a squadron of Lancasters secretly assigned to the 509th B29 group. The B29 had to be modified to carry the A bombs. It was not sure they could get this done in time and the only other aircraft that could carry them with no modification was the Lancaster. There were several tactical adjustments made to the routing to Japan including mid air refueling and bases. The Lancaster squadron was kept secret and after the war I believe the aircraft were kept in those large hangers at RAF Burtonwood , near Warrington England. The base was used as A maintenance facility for the Berlin Airlift. Also an interesting diorama would would be aircraft of the Berlin Airlift. I knew the pilot known as the Chocolate Bomber. I'll certainly check out the video on Final Count Down. Cheers.
It strikes me that Tamiya have listened to customer feedback and this kit is the result...if only others like Meng, GWH, Border, Trumpeter etc, etc did the same? This kit differentiates itself hugely from the Chinese manufacturers, and more than justifies it's price in my view. 👍🏻
For example GWH does listen to customer feedback, they re-tooled their F-15 spine due to feedback and they tooled their Su-27 differently due to feedback on construction off Su-35. For the other manufactures such as Trumpeter its true that they dont really care about any feedback.
@@Makkaravuori That's great but GWH really need to do more to improve their instructions. They are poor with no background data and no description English words used in the construction data...
Yes, a thousand times, yes. I’d be right there with you with a bullhorn demanding an F-16D from them.
I remember, years and years ago now, on ARC (I think) someone pointed out how the panel lines on the forward fuselage parts in the F-16 look like the molds are set up to make a two seat cockpit. Good many schemes to do… Thunderbirds, Weapons School Adversaries, Navy Aggressors….
Well that’s just great, now I’ve got to buy this one as well. I enjoy your vids, thanks for putting this one out there.
Excellent review Peter, thank you for your time.
It's a winner!
Thanks again Peter.
Picked this kit up the other day. Can’t wait to get into it.
Enjoyed it. A few notes, though:
Per the "holdback bar" - It doesn't remain with the aircraft. It is part of the launch shuttle system. Integrated into the bar is a "dog bone", or dogbone/dumbell shaped bit of metal that is specific to the type/weight of the aircraft being shot from the catapult. This bit of metal is designed to hold back the aircraft, but is also designed to snap in half when the launch catapult shuttle reaches the end of the track, thus releasing the aircraft. They are considered an expendable item.
Two of items that are key to identifying the early vs. late A models are the types of gun fairings and the chin pod/sensors. The items you identify as optional instrument bay covers are actually the gun fairings and changed over the life of the aircraft. It is best to research the specific aircraft you wish to model to identify which to use. Also, I note that the new kit contains the late A chin pod that combines the ALQ-100 IR seeker and the early Tactical Camera System (TCS). I'd be interested to know if the simple IR sensor from the early kit is also included. If so, then it appears that one could do both the early and late A birds with this kit. Here's a good reference on the chin pods.: www.anft.net/f-14/f14-detail-chinpods.htm
Thanks Stew! 👍🏻
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab You're welcome, sir. Have a splendid evening.
Great review of an excellent looking kit. I am very tempted to buy the kit.
Thanks! ...Make me an offer, Lol.😉
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab It would be interesting for you to review Tamiya and AMK F-14 side by side.
@@markfleming1605 I can tell you that AMK has awful instructions but the plastic is good, but Tamiya is better but x2 Price.
This is the first I heard you give 10 out of 10!
Actually, I did also for the WnW kits too.☺️👍🏻
I have the Original F14A and it is indeed amazing.
I made myself a carrier take off base DIY... but now I need this new one for sure
I Love your enterprises ships there
Another great review Peter, but now I have to buy another Tomcat!
You can never have enough Tomcats, or Phantoms, or Mustangs…
Peter nice review like usual. I did chuckle though, my favourite bit was ~48:00, when you place the aircraft deck board back in the box, you have a glance to camera and 'hope nothing goes pear-shaped' look, brilliant. By the way, you said you watched a build video, didn't quite pick up the name of the author, can you enlighten me or post a link please. Keep up the good work!
Hi Richard. Thanks ! 😆 The amazing builder I mentioned was 'Scaleaton', see his builds here: ua-cam.com/video/Pka0VL6EZ6E/v-deo.html 👍🏻
Just picked up the "D" model via Amazon.
Just as good as the "A"...
Why was precision attack added to the F-14's capabilities? The retirement of the A-6 for one, but mainly the realization that only multi role aircraft would be relevant to any future conflicts..
I just received this model. I haven’t open the shipping box. I have both kits!
You have chosen WISELY. 👍🏻
Hi Peter sorry to tell you but Tamiya are Japanese 😱 good vlog impressed again Well done 👍🏴
Yes, that was a slip of the tongue, quite a bad one Lol. 😆
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab your vlogs are good keep up the good work 👍
The glove vanes were deactivated and locked shut during the F-14 A's career. They were not present in the later B and D models.
I feel that the Tamiya kit is the best on the market. Tamiya, when researching the model, actually traveled to NAS Pensacola and laser scanned an F-14A in their collection...
The LANTIRN pod was adapted to the Tomcat as a n in house project. The late CAPT Dale Snodgrass had a lot to do with that. In fact, he turned down AMRAAM in order to get the precision ground attack capability.
The Tomcat always had a ground attack capability built in, but it was not used until after the first Gulf War.
The F-14 was also used as a Fast FAC, where it excelled.
It is interesting to compare the career of the F-14 to the F-15 in U.S. service. The Tomcats had all retired in 2006; new Eagles are currently being built for the USAF....
By the way, there is a "F-14 Tomcast" currently showing on You Tube featuring a current Iranian Tomcat pilot. No video, for obvious reasons...
Another fine program, Peter..
Thanks Alan, and great background info too. 👍🏻
FYI, the Iranian F-14 pilot interviewed is a former pilot, not in Iran, and is not named to protect others.
I’m pretty certain those flaming modelers you are talking about were peeved because Tamiya didn’t give them configuration choices from the get-go. The Hasegawa kit gave you the means to configure it at least 2 or more ways from day one of the kit being released back in the mid 80s.
In addition, I’m positive that a significant portion of the type of modeler who would buy & build this kit are also the type to build it multiple times, and I count myself among them. I still have around 20 or so of the Hasegawa kit still in the stash, and don’t even get me started on the close to 3 dozen F-4 kits, and all the other USN aircraft types that lend themselves to being built multiple times just on squadron markings & paint schemes alone (F-8, A-4, all the Aggressor F-5 schemes to name a few) that I have over a dozen of in the stash, and I know I’m not the only one like this, not by a long shot.
@@get2dachoppa249 Lol! I am sure you are right. 😬
Just had a look at quinta studios for the F14A and D cockpit decals and,SHOCK HORROR they're all sold out.
Are you at Telford this weekend??
Not this year, I am giving it a miss. Hopefully back next year though, perhaps we can meet up then?👍🏻
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab hope so,have a brew and a chat,is it really worth the extra price,I have both the A & D in my to build pile,and I'm maybe or maybe not with this one.
@@Lee0568 Lol, you MUST RESIST! However once you read this, they will have you yet AGAIN.😆
tamiya.com/english/products/61122/index.htm
Better than the Airfix buccaneer 1/48 then? Speaking of which I'm currently building said kit and can safely say its horrific.
Yes...Lol! It's a HORROR! 🤬
V nice but nearly fell of my chair when I saw the price in Scalemates 😲 I appreciate it wont be as good but I will have to be sticking with my Hasegawa version with the Fujimi Flight Deck Crew; £28 all in from Beatties back in the day
I think the exchange rates haven't helped, plus the cost of plastics rising, driven by oil price. 😕
11 mins and the lid is off ROCK +ROLL! What’s with the black gloves?
11 Mins...has to be a new early-opening record! 🤣 Black gloves are my trademark...along with watches and jacket...(and to avoid fingermarks on model kits). ☺️
I noticed that, and thought that’s one of the most British things this NY yankee has ever seen.
@@get2dachoppa249 Just be glad I wasn't wearing a bowler hat with an umbrella! 😆
Beautiful kit. *ALMOST* as good as Bandai-quality in fit and engineering....
Yes. Good comment. 👍🏻
A good review, but it could be half the length. Interminable shots of you opening a bag for example.
Most of my subscribers seem to enjoy the longer length and more detail in these videos. However if you prefer shorter, lower definition, less detailed and less factual review vids, plenty are available elsewhere.
This model has 4 pilots (2 new and 2 old) and the shooter.
That's right Stephi, there are just two (NEW) crew & the 'shooter'. (3 new figures in total) but there are also the two 'old' crew figures on the original release unchanged sprues. However, on the box it says: 'includes 3 figures' this is WRONG, (rather confusing!) and you are RIGHT. There are 5 figures in total. 👍🏻
I’m super grateful that Tamiya modeled the shooter to be placed on the left side of the aircraft during launch. Hasegawa molded their shooter figure to be on the right (starboard) side during launch. The diorama I have planned actually requires 7 shooter figures to be placed on the left side of the aircraft, so all I need to do is get my hands on 7 of these kits and the Skunk Works jet blast deflector kit.
*WHISPERS* Got mine for £75...
What the...? How? 😩
Tamiya is Japanese
@@louwvandermerwe178 See: ua-cam.com/video/U9Ucy3O6AZI/v-deo.htmlsi=9FCs2aas0oSdXGBZ
Ironically, some kits are better than the actual aircraft because you can really get creative making a miniaturized version of the aircraft. You definitely have to have some skills to accomplish this, which of course you do Peter. I would agree on your rating, but most likely purchase a less expensive version and use after market parts for this aircraft kit. In other words, based on the poor history of the real aircraft its not one I seek out to build . It was a performance and maintainence nightmare, causing it to have a reasonably short service life. It was also difficult to fly, and never had that many combat kills The kit popularity is probably driven by the movie Topgun, however, a more entertaining movie using the F14 is The Final Count Cown. Its worse problem was the propensity to go into a flat spin because of compressor failures and pilot error, there were 30 aircraft lost during its deployment, and all aircraft were built with the wrong engines, costing billions to replace Sorry I digress from the real aircraft to a model that will give the builder more satisfaction than the real aircraft. The Intruder and Prowler are an entirely different story, excellent aircraft and kits that have great detail, truly fun to build. I also think any F14 kit requires too many decals.
Cheers. I reviewed the original version of the kit and the final countdown 12 months ago...see the link at the end of this latest review.👍🏻
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Thanks Peter, I'll definitely check it out, such a great sci fi movie showing the F14 at its peak of deployment and I forgot many Japanese aircraft.
By the way, Who can't love the Spitfire So much history, most with the UK but also USA . THE Merlin engine saving the P51, and pre war Americans flying with the RAF. I had the privilege of knowing the stunt coordinator for the film Battle of Britain, and Adolf Galland. However, my memory archives are weak but there was an incredible Spitfire flown by an American reconnaissance wing, I believe it was blue. It was modified so incredibly that it flew round trip from England to Berlin. The Germans didn't bother it because it was just one aircraft. Similar to the B29s over Hiroshima. Just think, England to Berlin and back. That would make an interesting model. Another side note to history that would make an interesting model combination would be the B29 and Lancaster. Many people don't know there was a squadron of Lancasters secretly assigned to the 509th B29 group. The B29 had to be modified to carry the A bombs. It was not sure they could get this done in time and the only other aircraft that could carry them with no modification was the Lancaster. There were several tactical adjustments made to the routing to Japan including mid air refueling and bases. The Lancaster squadron was kept secret and after the war I believe the aircraft were kept in those large hangers at RAF Burtonwood , near Warrington England. The base was used as A maintenance facility for the Berlin Airlift. Also an interesting diorama would would be aircraft of the Berlin Airlift. I knew the pilot known as the Chocolate Bomber. I'll certainly check out the video on Final Count Down. Cheers.
@@c123bthunderpig It sounds like you will find this one interesting: ua-cam.com/video/ie3SrjLlcUY/v-deo.html